Whether for their eggs, their meat or their company, chickens are becoming more and more popular.
In fact, they have been added to the list of New Companion Animals (NAC), established by a government decree.
Focus on five species that will brighten up your henhouse.
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The crested Dutch hen
The crested Dutch hen Sarah Bent - stock.adobe.com
Originally from the Netherlands,
the Dutch crested chicken
is a very distinctive looking breed, characterized by a crown of feathers that resembles a crown atop its head.
Known for its active and alert behavior, the Dutch Crested Hen is energetic and loves to explore its surroundings.
She can be quite curious and sociable, making her a pleasant addition to the coop.
Due to its unique physique and pleasant disposition, the Dutch Crested is often bred for ornamental and display purposes.
It is very popular as a pet.
Weight |
between 1.5 kg and 2 kg |
Size |
from 35 cm to 65 cm |
Life expectancy |
from 8 to 10 years old |
Eggs |
5 eggs/week |
The bare-necked hen
The Bare Neck Hen Megan Marie Weaver - stock.adobe.com
The naked neck chicken
, also known as the naked neck, is a uniquely styled breed of chicken characterized by a partial or complete absence of plumage on the neck.
Originally from Transylvania, it adapts well to hot climates.
Indeed, its exposed skin allows for better regulation of body temperature.
Its unique appearance is not limited to its bare neck, as it also exhibits a variety of plumage colors.
With a docile character, it adapts very easily to various environments.
In addition to being raised for egg production, naked neck chickens are also valued for their meat.
Weight |
from 2.0 kg to 2.8 kg |
Size |
between 40 and 60 cm |
Life expectancy |
from 9 to 11 years old |
Eggs |
120 and 150 eggs/year. |
Also read: How to make a chicken coop?
The Padua hen
The Paduan hen Olesya - stock.adobe.com
The Padua hen,
native to Italy, is famous for its rose-shaped crest that extends majestically over its head.
This distinct crest, along with its featherless legs, makes it a truly eccentric looking hen.
Despite its fanciful appearance, the Padua hen is known to be a sociable and pleasant fowl, ideal for those looking for a cheerful presence in their barnyard.
She appreciates spaces where she can move around with ease, such as orchards.
Although the padua is not primarily raised for its egg production, it remains an ornamental hen with unique aesthetic characteristics.
Weight |
from 1.5 kg to 2 kg |
Size |
from 35 cm to 65 cm |
Life expectancy |
from 6 to 11 years old |
Eggs |
100 and 120 eggs/year |
The silk hen
The silk hen SEREDA Tomas / TTstudio - stock.adobe.com
The silkie hen
, native to China, is distinguished by its silky plumage and almost fluffy appearance.
Indeed, its soft and downy feathers give it a delicate appearance.
The silk hen comes in a variety of colors.
She is also known for her extraordinary maternal instinct, making her a friendly breed.
However, its laying frequency can be influenced by various factors, including its age and environment.
The silkie hen tolerates cold climates very well.
Indeed, its silky plumage offers good thermal insulation, making it a versatile option for different regions.
Weight |
between 1.1 kg to 1.8 kg |
Size |
from 35 cm to 60 cm |
Life expectancy |
from 6 to 10 years |
Eggs |
3 eggs/week |
The araucana hen
The araucana makarova hen - stock.adobe.com
The araucana chicken,
native to Chile, is a breed of chicken known for its unique characteristic: the ability to lay blue or green eggs.
Easy to live with and of good composition, it is mainly raised for its eggs.
The unique appearance of this rustic hen leaves no one indifferent.
Indeed, tufts of feathers protrude slightly from his cheeks, giving him the appearance of having sideburns.
Its plumage is generally smooth and silky.
The araucana adapts well to different environments, whether in confinement or in the wild.
And can tolerate varied climatic conditions.
Weight |
between 1 kg and 2 kg |
Size |
between 50 to 65 cm |
Life expectancy |
from 10 to 15 years old |
Eggs |
5 eggs/week |
Also read: What to do with chickens that no longer lay eggs?
The English fighting hen
The English fighting hen Hans-Joerg Hellwig / Hans-Joerg Hellwig - stock.adobe.com
The English fighting hen
, known for its sturdy stature and smooth plumage, was developed in the late 1850s. Originally from England, it is the result of a cross between fighting cocks bred in Malaysia and English hens.
As its name suggests, it was mainly used to participate in combat.
However, this very calm breed is known for its friendly personality.
Leggy and muscular, it looks like a rooster.
Its robust physique makes it an excellent layer, tolerant of varied climatic conditions.
Weight |
between 1 kg and 2 kg |
Size |
between 13 to 18 cm |
Life expectancy |
up to 12 years old |
Eggs |
5 eggs/week |